School News

Hometown Educators: Lorinda Hettman

What memory of your experience in Evergreen Public Schools stands out most for you?
In 7th grade at Covington I ended up being the only student in a class called Publications. The teacher, Steve Dawson (I think it was his first year) explained that we were going to produce a school newspaper and yearbook. I guess someone told him I could write. So I got to pick out some other students to be in the class. Through 9th grade we had a blast in Publications class.We were empowered to design and create with an authentic audience. Today, I remember this class when I think about Personalized Learning and how important it is for student engagement.

Is there a teacher, counselor or other significant person that helped you along the way?
Besides Steve Dawson, I would say Herr Fogelquist, a German teacher at Evergreen High School had the most impact on me. Herr Fogelquist encouraged me to study in Denmark during my junior year. A life-changing experience, and I'm grateful to him.

Did you have specific goals as a youth? How did you go about achieving those goals?
I knew I was going to college, but as the first one in my family, I had to figure it out somewhat on my own. It didn't occur to me that it was going to be hard. I grew up working on the family farm. My parents worked hard, it's just what you did.

Do you have advice to offer students who are aspiring to be as successful as you?
Find people to mentor you and listen to them. More importantly listen to yourself. It’s your life, take charge of it.

What are your plans for the future?
I am continually looking for good travel adventures. I’m taking a Spanish class this winter, and spending some vacation time in Mexico soon.

What is most rewarding about your job; what makes it worthwhile?
It’s good to help middle school students figure out who they are and their place in the world. I get a lot of satisfaction in being a part of their lives from 6th through 8th grade, and supporting them as they grow and learn. As an administrator, it’s an honor to be able to help shape the school experience of so many young people. Now that I have a 4-year old grandson who will be attending Evergreen Schools, this is more important to me than ever.

Tell us something about yourself that people might not already know?
I aspire to live in the south of France, learn how to cook French food and ride around exploring on my Vespa. Hey, a girl’s gotta dream big!